​NEW YORK(July 28, 2017) – The Independent Panel, consisting of one representative from the United States Soccer Federation, one representative from the Canadian Soccer Association, and one representative from the Professional Referee Organization, has rejected Columbus Crew SC’s appeal of defender Lalas Abubakar’s red card, issued in the 36th minute the of Crew SC’s game against the Philadelphia Union on July 26.

​Abubakar will serve his one-game suspension during Columbus’ next match on Saturday, July 29 against Real Salt Lake.

Each club is entitled to two unsuccessful appeals per season, including playoffs. Columbus has one unsuccessful appeal remaining for the 2017 season.
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